Sheffield foster carers urge men to consider being a father figure

Ellen Beardmore

Former pub landlord Ray Ducker had always wanted to foster – but it wasn’t until later in life that he provided a father figure to those in need.

The 68-year-old and his wife Audrey have made a difference to the lives of 16 youngsters in the last nine years.

Foster dad Ray Ducker. Picture: Andrew Roe

The couple, of Mosborough, currently have special guardianship of a brother and sister, which means they will look after them until the age of 18, and are currently fostering two other little girls.

Today, in time for Father’s Day tomorrow, he is encouraging other men to consider playing a vital role in a child’s life.

Dad-of-two and grandad-of-three Ray, who was landlord at The Frecheville in Birley among other pubs, said: “We wanted to foster but because of work and other interests we never got around to it until later on.

“We find it really rewarding, at the moment we’ve got a little girl of five and her sister aged two – there’s never a dull moment.

“The youngest one could hardly say a word when she came to us, but now her vocabulary has come on in leaps and bounds, she can string sentences together and is very loving.

“You do get time to sit down a little bit, more than you do when you’re working!

“It definitely stops you rooting, with fostering there is always something to do.

“The younger two have been doing two weeks back with their mum and Sunday is their last day before they go back permanently, so they will spend the day with us for the last time on Father’s Day.”

Fellow foster dad Andy Baker knows the difference having a father figure can make.

He has a 15-year-old son and stepson, as well as a 10-year-old foster son to look after, with his wife Helen.

The family has spent time giving their foster son new experiences – from outdoor activities to holidays – and has seen a massive difference in him.